SnO2/Sn Nanoparticles Embedded in an Ordered, Porous Carbon Framework for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes

Abstract

AbstractTin dioxide (SnO2) is recognized as one of the most promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. However, the large volume changes of pure SnO2 anodes during Li+ insertion/extraction inevitably result in rapid capacity decay. Herein, the fabrication of microsized, porous SnO2/Sn/carbon (p‐SnO2/Sn/C) composites by a straightforward one‐step hydrothermal process with triblock copolymer Pluronic F‐127 as templating agent and subsequent carbonization is reported. In this composite structure, SnO2/Sn nanoparticles (≈5 nm) are uniformly embedded in an ordered porous carbon matrix to form an interpenetrating framework structure. The ordered porous carbon matrix not only offers three‐dimensional channels for extraction/insertion of Li+ during cycling, but also buffers severe volume changes of the SnO2/Sn nanoparticles. Furthermore, the composite structure also ensures formation of stable solid electrolyte interface films as compared with isolated SnO2/Sn nanoparticles, which efficiently improves the electrochemical stability of the active materials. Thus, the p‐SnO2/Sn/C anode delivers a high reversible capacity of 1016.2 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles and has remarkable long‐term cycle stability (a charge capacity of 710 mAh g−1 even after 600 cycles at 1000 mA g−1).